The server took our orders, tucked the menus under her arm, and headed to the kitchen. The girls’ father turned to the “birthday girl” as he spoke to everyone else at the table. “Who wants to go first?” A couple of quick “I do” responses gave him an option. Then everyone turned to the young lady chosen to speak first. She looked straight into the eyes of the “birthday girl.”
“What I like about you is you have a happy spirit. You are willing to do your part. And you celebrate with us when things go well for us.”
Another sister said, “You know how to play with others or entertain yourself. You have lots of energy. And we can see Jesus in your actions.”
One by one, everyone around the table spoke words of encouragement and blessing to the birthday girl. Sure, some repeated what someone else said. And, yes, the birthday girl felt a little sheepish with some compliments. But, per the family understanding, no one uttered a hurtful word.
Recent years have allowed me to sit in on several warm gatherings as different individuals sat in the “birthday seat.” And, yes, their kind expressions humbled me when my turn arrived. However, the bonding and family building I’ve seen makes the efforts worthwhile and especially meaningful to all concerned.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. Most times, the day marks a family highlight in the year. Children play. Adults prepare the food. People gather, and prayers express gratitude. Stories fly as yesterday lives again, and laughter celebrates relationships.
Well, that’s how we would like to think everyone enjoys the day. Unfortunately, however, not everyone can have the family together and, sometimes, that may be best. Conversations can become more curt than cute, as pain cuts the heart like a knife. When the pantry vies with the refrigerator for emptiness, meals taste bland at best. And when a seat long warmed by one who shared our love is empty, a dark cloud shadows our day.
On this Thanksgiving Day, whether we gather as one, two, or a house full, I invite you to join with me in thanking God for his kindness and love. Then may we choose to bless whoever is around us. We can speak loving-kindness and blessing to those with whom we share life. And let people hear what we say as positive, so they feel uplifted. As for those of us who are by ourselves, may our self-talk—what we tell ourselves that no one else hears—whisper life-lifting words.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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Posted: November 25, 2021 by Harry Lucenay
The server took our orders, tucked the menus under her arm, and headed to the kitchen. The girls’ father turned to the “birthday girl” as he spoke to everyone else at the table. “Who wants to go first?” A couple of quick “I do” responses gave him an option. Then everyone turned to the young lady chosen to speak first. She looked straight into the eyes of the “birthday girl.”
“What I like about you is you have a happy spirit. You are willing to do your part. And you celebrate with us when things go well for us.”
Another sister said, “You know how to play with others or entertain yourself. You have lots of energy. And we can see Jesus in your actions.”
One by one, everyone around the table spoke words of encouragement and blessing to the birthday girl. Sure, some repeated what someone else said. And, yes, the birthday girl felt a little sheepish with some compliments. But, per the family understanding, no one uttered a hurtful word.
Recent years have allowed me to sit in on several warm gatherings as different individuals sat in the “birthday seat.” And, yes, their kind expressions humbled me when my turn arrived. However, the bonding and family building I’ve seen makes the efforts worthwhile and especially meaningful to all concerned.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. Most times, the day marks a family highlight in the year. Children play. Adults prepare the food. People gather, and prayers express gratitude. Stories fly as yesterday lives again, and laughter celebrates relationships.
Well, that’s how we would like to think everyone enjoys the day. Unfortunately, however, not everyone can have the family together and, sometimes, that may be best. Conversations can become more curt than cute, as pain cuts the heart like a knife. When the pantry vies with the refrigerator for emptiness, meals taste bland at best. And when a seat long warmed by one who shared our love is empty, a dark cloud shadows our day.
On this Thanksgiving Day, whether we gather as one, two, or a house full, I invite you to join with me in thanking God for his kindness and love. Then may we choose to bless whoever is around us. We can speak loving-kindness and blessing to those with whom we share life. And let people hear what we say as positive, so they feel uplifted. As for those of us who are by ourselves, may our self-talk—what we tell ourselves that no one else hears—whisper life-lifting words.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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Category: Holidays Tags: Thanksgiving